01 Feb RACH Fund 3-Pitch Tournament

In 2017 the RACH Tournament bought the Operating Room at the West Parry Sound Health Centre new tools for diagnosing cancers. Critical to diagnostics the Tournament bought a new cystoscope replacing decade old equipment. In the process of buying the new scope, the OR team realized new ‘towers’ were needed. These new ‘towers’ emit quality, high definition images which enhances visibility. The high-resolution images emanating from the new cystoscope includes a GPS type tracking device that ensures the Surgeon can immediately pinpoint existing polyps. Both the scope and the towers must be of matching technology – otherwise without the new towers, it is like watching an HD movie on 80s TV. So, to be able to update our local Operating Rooms with both critical equipment pieces is a wonderful advancement in patient care.

In 2017 we were a smidgen short in the money raised through the RACH Tournament to complete the purchase. The vendor, charmed by all that the RACH volunteers and participants were attempting to do for patient care, reduced the price further and then secured an addition $1,000 from a partner company to ensure our Operating Room could obtain both the towers and the new cystoscope.

In 2018 we are thankful the RACH Tournament is buying a new $35,000 Gastroscope. This is critical for GI Tract patient’s presenting with polyps in the esophagus or cancer of the stomach. Like the new colonoscope, the gastroscope is advanced technology that provides both a flushing and suction action ensuring much safer procedures and more comfort to the patient.

This new level of care and high visibility brings early detection of polyps. For the patient that can mean a life saving advancement. Thank you to all our friends participating in and supporting the RACH Tournament. You are helping us fight cancer locally.

2017 Stats show the Importance of Updating Diagnostic Equipment in the fight against cancer

2017 Gastroscope STATS (buying 1 with 2018 RACH Proceeds)

– Inspection: = 543 total

– Procedure: = 438 total

2017 Colonoscope STATS (1 bought in 2017 with RACH Proceeds)

– Inspection: = 792 total

– Procedure: = 753 total

(The procedures are things such as biopsies or polypectomies where, upon inspection, there was something of note and a sample was taken for further investigation.)